Archive for August, 2012

It’s looking like Vince Young may be on his way out of Buffalo. While I share concerns about his attitude and his general underachievement in the NFL after a brilliant college career, I also have not forgotten about his brilliant college career and the fact that the guy is a winner. Even during his tumultuous time in Tennessee, Young won games. But throw in there the fact that he could be seriously coached up by someone we’re all learning is very good at bringing along QBs (McCarthy), and I think it would make some sense. And importantly, Young has real NFL game experience, something our present backups don’t have. I wouldn’t be surprised if TT takes a look at him if he’s cut.

Read here. Interesting signing. Benson is a guy who can get the tough yards between the tackles. He’s a decent player for sure and I’m a bit surprised he was just floating out there unattached to a team. I’m also surprised we got him for the 1 year veteran minimum ($850,000) and no signing bonus of any kind. I generally like the signing as I think he could add some nice depth/experience. Though I must say, I continue to wonder about why TT and company refuse to look at shiftier/quicker/faster backs. For a long time I wondered if it was because of suspected durability issues – but our bigger backs seem to have frequent injury issues so I don’t think so. I’d just like someone who could either make people miss or blow by people for long runs/TDs. Benson’s 6 carries for over 20 yards in the last 2 years are a concern – though maybe he might do a bit better working in an offense with an electric passing game. Again though, I’d love to see us work in a fast guy who brings more excitement.

Thanks to Mike for pointing this out this morning. Just brutal news. Desmond Bishop is an absolutely critical part of this defense – a defense that was already horrendous last year with him. The defense is not in a good place now. And on a personal level, Bishop had worked his tail off to get to the point where he was the entrenched starter, so this has to be seriously disappointing for him. While I’m also on record as being a big fan of likely replacement DJ Smith, this loss hurts big time. I heard Dan Needles speculate the other night on Channel 12 news that AJ Hawk’s status not only as a starter was in question, but that he could be on the bubble to make the team. (Which is how it should be.) I had hoped that they’d work DJ Smith into Hawk’s role so that we’d have Smith and Bishop manning the middle. Hawk isn’t going anywhere now. This news hurts.

That said, one bright spot I still cling to on the defensive side of things is Jerel Worthy. I thought he was “worthy” of a first round pick so I was super excited when we got him in the 2nd round. I understand and think it’s fair when people question his motivation (taking plays off etc), but there is something that tells me come real game time, he will be a big-time performer. In college, he was just plain disruptive. Whether it was stopping the run, pursuing the QB or even a few times when I watched, surprising QBs by dropping into coverage. He is a talented dude who could help make this defense better.